Michigan football: 1 offensive and 1 defensive player poised to break out in 2021

All signs point to Daxton Hill making a huge impact in the Michigan secondary

From a talent standpoint, Daxton Hill brings so much to the table in the Michigan defensive backfield. The Tulsa, Oklahoma native was a five-star coming out of high school in 2019. The 247Sports Composite had him as the No. 1 safety in his class, the No. 1 player from Oklahoma and the No. 14 overall prospect during his recruiting cycle. It is Hill’s turn to shine for Big Blue this fall.

Even with coaching staff turmoil, Hill has stuck it out with Michigan, and all parties will be better because of it. He is coming off a season with 44 total tackles, four passes defended and an interception in just six games. Hill was able to match or surpass nearly all of his freshman year totals he put together in 12 contests. If he can force a few more turnovers, look out, Big Ten.

The quickest pathway towards Michigan being a real threat in the Big Ten East this year is being able to get back to good on defense. Moving on from former defensive coordinator Don Brown in favor of Mike Macdonald was a bold move, but it is one that may work out for the Wolverines. The biggest indicator of if that change of guard was worthwhile will be the breakout of Hill at safety.

Overall, Michigan has plenty of ways to get better over last season. Improved quarterback play will help a ton obviously, as will defensive excellence under a new coordinator. What does serve Michigan more than most teams in the division is most of their rival teams do not recruit up to their standards. Ohio State is still Ohio State, but there is a pathway towards Michigan success.

For Michigan to reach a New Year’s Six bowl, more players will have to step up for the Wolverines.

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